sbo333 In an era of continent-wide transfer market inflation, a race has begun among clubs as they seek to identify and sign 'the next big thing' before their rivals.

Having seen the fees demanded for established world-class stars skyrocket, the emphasis on picking up young, high-potential players and developing them is greater than ever.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio)

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has become the toast of Serie A over the last two seasons, starring for Lazio in a box-to-box role and attracting interest from many of Europe's elite sides.

Football Whispers' Player Performance algorithm has given Milinkovic-Savic a score of 85, ranking him second in the list of midfielders in Italy's top flight.

What makes Milinkovic-Savic such a special talent is, well, everything; when it comes to the attributes desirable in a top-class central midfielder, the 23-year-old can do it all.

Likened by many to Manchester United's Paul Pogba, who also shone in Italy at the same age, Milinkovic-Savic is blessed with similar improvisational creative skills as the Frenchman.

David Neres (Ajax)

With nine goals and nine assists from 24 Eredivisie appearances this season, Ajax winger David Neres has come to the attention of scouts across Europe. sbo333

With a score of 83 from the Player Performance algorithm, the 20-year-old Brazilian attacker ranks in the top five players in the Dutch top flight and would cost around £30m according to Football Whispers' Transfer Value model.

Federico Chiesa (Fiorentina)

Federico Chiesa became a regular feature of Fiorentina's line-up last season and is regarded as one of the hottest properties in Serie A.

The 20-year-old has a Player Performance score of 81 but that will certainly increase as the season progresses, with the forward already showing impressive intelligence and positional maturity for someone so young.

Capable of playing centrally as a secondary striker, Chiesa finds most of his game time wide on either flank. He's started 24 of La Viola's 26 league games this season, helping fill the void left by Federico Bernardeschi's summer departure for Juventus.

Houssem Aouar (Lyon)

When a 19-year-old midfielder, playing his first full season at senior level, is being hailed as the heir apparent to Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta, you know they're doing something right.

Houssem Aouar only made his professional debut at the tail end of last season, but the teenager's form when given opportunities this term has seen him become one of Lyon's key players.

Malang Sarr (Nice)

First earning acclaim in Nice's rise to third in Ligue 1 last season, Malang Sarr is regarded as one of the most promising central defenders in Europe.

The 19-year-old, rated 79 by the Player Performance algorithm, has shown a maturity and adaptability beyond his years since becoming a regular at the Allianz Riviera, able to play as a centre-back in either a back four or back three, as well as filling in at left-back when required. sbo333